Thursday, January 17, 2013

Robson takes Kvitova out of Australian Open in 3-hour contest

Between them, Laura Robson and Petra Kvitova hit 67 winners and 92 unforced errors, and that's as good a summary of the match as any. This is Kvitova, so naturally, winning the first set didn't mean she was close to victory. She led 3-0 in the third, however, and then 4-1. But again, this is Kvitova (or at least the unfortunate current version of Kvitova), and she saw Robson not only catch up, but serve for the match at 6-5. Kvitova broke her at that point, but Robson emerged the victor, 2-6, 6-3, 11-9.

Some of the stats, I should add, are impressive. Robson hit 8 aces, Kvitova hit 18. Kvitova's win percentage at the net was 80.

In the third round, Robson will play Sloane Stephens, and that match will draw all kinds of attention. Stephens beat Robson in Hobart, which gives her a little edge. Both players have momentum at this point, however.

It was brutally hot on the fourth day of the Open. Victoria Azarenka, Caroline Wozniacki and Serena Williams all advanced, and Williams did not appear to have any problems with her injured ankle.

Of note: There are two Japanese players--Kimiko Date-Krumm and Ayumi Morita-- into the third round. Date-Krumm will play Maria Kirilenko in the third round, and I hope I get to watch at least some of that match because I totally enjoy both players' styles, and I think that seeing them together will be a treat.

Also of note: Five women from the USA have advanced to the third round.

And of further note: Elena Vesnina, who recently won the Hobart title, has also made it to the third round. She beat Varvara Lepchenko in the second round.

Ridiculous ups and downs from both Laura and Petra. Laura demonstrated her mettle. Petra her slimmer body and fighting spirit (fought hard despite a severe asthma attack that became serious during the last game of the first set). That is the rivalry of the future. Nobody asked, but that's my 'answer.' Sloane is good but does not have the firepower possessed by Petra and Laura. She could surprise us, though. After all, she's smart and very good already.

I've wondered, more than once, whether Petra has sought any so-called "alternative" (I don't consider them alternative)treatments for her asthma. I'm almost willing to bet that there are treatments she hasn't considered.

It's nice to see all the improvements Robson has made. They must be beside themselves in the UK.

Todd, I've been pretty distracted, so when I glanced at those two pairings, I didn't even notice that. I'm sure it's a rarity.